Hi Lesley, Balsa wood - that is a great idea, we use stuff that is much more environmentally friendly though, and reusable! You'd be surprised by the pricing too, it's not as much as you might think, and when you compare it to the cost of making changes once construction has already begun, it is much much lower.

Hi Teresa, since you've only just moved in and are not sure, I would suggest wait and live with it until you have a clear directon on how the overall space functions, what your storage pressures are and what your over all style is likely to be. Putting time into a piece that you might remove would be frustrating. Removing a piece now that is functional and fitted is hasty. Budget how much you have to spend on the room and what the room needs. New cabinetry such as this replacement value is quite a few thousand dollars so consider the direction of the room first style wise, then imagine how that piece could be re-born. Once you've done that, if it ruins the flow remove it. The aesthetics can be enhance with a colur change in paint or lime wash but I think it will always be best in the look tha tit is sine the fireplace is built in but loving it with some restorative finish whether it's wax or varnish would give it a lift. It looks like it still works well and the fact that it has the cornice fitted at least has had some thought put into it. Good Luck

Jewel, you are looking for a design/build company where you make use of their in-house design team, and the whole job is project managed by the design/build company. Just be aware that many design/build companies charge a premium price for this convenience. Also be aware that you are not engaging the design component of the project seperately, so that if you love their design, but not their price, you are restricted from shopping their design around to other builders for a better price. You will need to read the fine print of any contracts carefully in respect to potential copyright infringement and their ownership of their design that is part of the design/build process. By seperating the design/documentation part from the build part, while less convenient, does allow you to go to as many builders as you want to obtain competitive quotes. If you decide to go with this traditional process, rather than a design/build company, be aware that not all building designers have the skill set for interior design when it comes to interior selections, and soft furnishings etc. Best of luck with your renovations, Dr Retro

Hi We had the same decisions but in a new build We went with a floating hearth and mantlepiece between the 2, as I think they add to the fireplace feel, even if it is gas. I wanted non symmetrical so an art work or ceramic will go on the other side (not shown in pics) it doesn’t have the cupboard The hearth is the same tiles as the outside paving The other way for ours would be to have made the plaster to resemble an old fashioned chimney great & painted that. They issue we have is the fireplace has been supplied without a part so not yet complete Best wishes for your decisions